The Investigation

If the complaint is legally sufficient, the DRE (Division of Real Estate) sends an investigator. Think of them as the "Real Estate Police”. The complaint and the information obtained during the investigation are kept confidential until 10 days after probable cause has been found to exist.In most cases, the DBPR will send a copy of the complaint to the licensee (you) so you know you are under investigation. Exception: They do not have to tell you if the violation is criminal or if telling you would destroy the investigation (e.g., you might destroy evidence).Anonymous & Withdrawn Complaints: Even if the person who complained changes their mind and wants to "drop the charges" (withdraws the complaint), or if the complaint was anonymous, the DBPR can still continue the investigation if they think the violation is serious.The investigator gathers evidence and writes an Investigative Report. They do not decide if you are guilty; they just report the facts to the legal team. In rare situations deemed to be too serious to allow the licensee to continue to practice real estate while the complaint process proceeds, the DBPR secretary may issue a summary (emergency) suspension of the licensee.